As a new member and enthusiast who is considering purchasing the Nikon D5100, is the issue of no definitive manual exposure control for video a big enough problem that one should look at another camera to purchase?
Thanks
Michy

Michy, if you want a camera with a big sensor which can AF during video, I'd recommend a Sony NEX or a Panasonic Lumix G series, such as the GF3, G3 or GH2. The Sony Alpha SLTs also do a good job, but are noisier.

It really depends where your preferences lie, particularly in terms of video. That's where the major differences are. I've also written in deoth about their differences in the verdict page of my D5100 review which should help!

I just finished reading your review on the D5100 and i am curious about something i've read in other reviews, but i haven't seen you mention it.
I've read that in Live View the D5100 doesn't have exposure simulation in Manual Mode. (it does in other modes)Can you confirm this ?

I'm asking because it's one of my prime contenders for my first DSLR along with the Canon 600D.
Now i don't think it would be a deal breaker, but i think it's rather stupid.

I almost always shoot in Live View (seeing as i don't have an OVF on my camera) and that would be rather important, i don't know how i would use a DSLR though.

P.S. You're site is my favorite camera review site, i wish you had more lens reviews though (with sample pictures)

To confirm, the D5100 doesn't have exposure simulation in manual mode, however I don't believe that it's included in the other modes either. Exposure simulation is a feature that Nikon's left to their pro bodies, the D3 series. It is a bit stupid that Nikon's left the feature out while Canon's including it with all of their DSLRs, but the majority of photographers probably just don't care, I really don't considering that I don't use Live View very often (unless I'm manual focusing with a fast lens, such as my 50mm f/2 which is MF only and it can be difficult to focus with such fast glass with the viewfinder). I don't think that you'll find yourself using LV very often either, the AF is slow and it's easier to use the viewfinder in bright light. But I can't speak for you, I'm just basing it on personal opinions.

By the way, if you're looking for more reviews (Cameras, lenses, accessories, etc.) check out the User Reviews section of the forums.

One of the best things about live view, in my mind, is the ability to see how you're pictures will turn out given the settings/effects you use, and to correct accordingly, so not having exposure sim. is working against it.

But if anyone actually has a D5100 and can check that out for me, i would be grateful.

P.S. Do you think an older (and cheaper) but higher-end D90 would be a better choice ? (mainly for photography) i just watched a tutorial about it and it seemed to have exp. sim. at least in Program mode.
I can't go to a store and personally check it out, it's only really available online or in other bigger cities

So after months of research I have purchased the D5100!!!
So now I am in the process of learning all what this camera can do but for the life of me I can not get it to shoot continuously. I have followed all the instructions, even Gordon's but it's still not working.

If someone can give me step by step instructions on how to set the feature up I will be really greatful.

Trinireds, it should be as simple as selecting the continuous shooting mode in the menu (as Gordon explains here) or in the info screen. What's your problem exactly? Did you manage to set the shooting mode to continuous and it doesn't work, or you simply can't set the shooting mode to continuous for some reason?

Hi beren, I set it to continuous shooting mode (thats the setting with the pic of the layered pics, below the S (single shooting) and it still takes one picture and I have tried it in Auto, P, M, A and S and still nothing.